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Save the Portland Coastal Strip from quarrying
This ePetition is now CLOSED
The Government's response is printed below
If you would like information about the current situation please email mimariposa@hotmail.co.uk
| Friday 5 June 2009 |
| Portland - epetition response |
| We received a petition asking: |
| “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to prevent the imminent quarrying of the Jurassic coast of Portland, from Southwell Village to Portland Bill.” |
| Details of Petition: |
| “Portland is part of the beautiful, world famous Jurassic coast and also the home of Portland stone. Portland stone has been used in some of the most eminent buildings in the land. Less well known is the terrible cost in lives and environmental damage that Portland has suffered due to stone extraction. Recently a quarry firm bought mineral rights to quarry the coast from Southwell Village to Portland Bill. These rights date back to 1951 when controls were minimal. They override environmental restrictions such as SSSI status. Quarrying is expected to start in the next two months. Trashing the remaining natural beauty of the island would be a terrible, costly mistake. Peace and tranquility will be replaced by blasting. Rare habitats will be obliterated. Important archaeological sites will be destroyed. The resulting industrial wasteland will savagely depress tourism. We must act now to prevent this coast being destroyed forever.” |
| • Read the petition |
| • Petitions homepage |
| Read the Government’s response |
| The Government recognises the environmental issues relating to old mineral permissions, taking into account that mineral extraction can only take place where minerals are found to exist. However, mineral extraction can last for many years, so it is important that conditions of working the site, and the level of restoration that is required, are subject to regular review. Such reviews are carried out by the mineral planning authority and ensure that conditions reflect modern environmental standards. It is not Government policy to revoke extant mineral permissions. However, should conditions imposed as part of a review restrict working rights on mineral sites such as to unreasonably prejudice the economic viability of operating the site or the site’s asset value, compensation is payable to the operator. Some extant mineral permissions affect a Special Protection Area or a Special Area of Conservation, as is the case in this instance. In such instances the mineral planning authority must review the permission and can only affirm the permission if it appears that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site, or, in the absence of alternatives, where there is an overriding public interest. If the adverse effects cannot be overcome or there is no overriding public interest, it must consider revoking or modifying the planning permission |